How to Host a Hygge Party This Winter

ByHelloIm50ish

It seems that everyone is having frigid temperatures this week. I just got back from Kansas City after watching the Chiefs win on Saturday with some amazing women, and it was cold! I’m used to frigid temperatures in Park City, but it seems everyone is experiencing cold weather! Just because it’s freezing out doesn’t stop me from entertaining our friends for a casual dinner in our home. After all the fancy Christmas parties, it’s time to entertain more simply in January. Today, I’m sharing with you how to host a Hygge party.

What is Hygge?

Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.

As an interior designer, I have written about how to create aΒ Hygge home.Β The concept is the same when you host aΒ Hygge dinner party: warmth, food, and fellowship.

How to Host a Hygge Party

Hosting a hygge party is about being casual and unfussy. Your menu should consist of hearty comfort foods and simple appetizers. A hearty meal to keep your toes warm and the chill outside.

Set the Table for Your Hygge Party

While the snow falls outside, imagine being”cozy and warm” in front of the fire. If you don’t want a fire, add lots of candles to your party.

When deciding on what to serve for your hygge party, you also need to create a warm, inviting environment for your guests. Hygge decor for the table is all about nature and simplicity. I am using everyday ware, not fancy china. The pine florals are from my Christmas decorations and can also be used during the winter here in Park City. I added some low candles from Anthropologie.

I am most in my element when I am serving delicious comfort food and cocktails and entertaining my friends and family in the winterβ€”lots of good food, wine, and conversation.

Learn more about Hygge in this blog post. 6 Tips for Creating a Perfect Relaxation Space in Your Home

The Hygge Party Menu

Appetizer

Nothing is more straightforward than serving your guest at your hygge dinner party than a charcuterie board filled with delicious cheesesβ€”meats, crackers, fruit, olives, and nuts.

Close up of charcuterie board and glasses of wine on stone counter. i

Main Course- Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Traditional Mexican dish enchiladas with meat, chili red sauce and cheese in a casserole dish

This is my favorite winter comfort food. Chicken enchilada casserole can be made ahead of time and baked right when your guests arrive. My casserole dish is from Anthropologie.

Here is my favorite chicken enchilada casserole recipe.

Serve with a Salad.

Salad from tomatoes, cucumber, red onions and lettuce leaves

After Dinner- White Russians and Decadent (Gluten-Free!) Chocolate Cake

For dessert, I’m serving an after-dinner drink, the White Russian, and a gluten-free chocolate cake.

The White Russian is a decadent and surprisingly easy-to-make cocktail. Combining vodka, KahlΓΊa, and cream and serving it on the rocks creates a delicious alternative to adult milkshakes.

Ingredients:

  • 2Β ouncesΒ vodka
  • 1Β ounceΒ KahlΓΊa
  • 1Β splash ofΒ heavy cream or whole milk

Instructions:

  1. Add the vodka and KahlΓΊa to a rocks glass filled with ice.

  2. Top with heavy cream and stir.

Decadent (Gluten-Free!) Chocolate Cake

This recipe from Ina Garten is a crowd-pleaser. It’s decadent, and it doesn’t matter if you eat a gluten-free diet.

Recipe

Closeup of Moist and Flavorful Flourless Chocolate Cake Topped with Fresh Strawberry

 

Thank you for stopping by today!

I hope you can enjoy a hygge dinner party sometime soon!

Next up is my trip to Kansas City and why I was invited to see the Chiefs play! So stay tuned!

This post contains affiliate links that may earn income for Hello I’m 50ish.

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4 Comments

  1. It has been cold here in NY too, so I love the idea of a hygge party with plenty of comfort food and drinks (though I’d have a hard type skipping dessert)! Your J.Jill cardigan looks perfect for a night in. I often get too warm when I’m cooking, and then chilly when we sit down to eat, so I love having an open front cardigan that I can grab and snuggle in. Xo Nipa

    Reply
    1. HelloIm50ish says:

      Nipa,
      You will love hosting a Hygge party this winter!
      Casual and effortless entertaining!
      Hearty soups and a salad are all you need for the main course!
      Yes, I can’t cook in a sweater so I love a cardigan for my extra layer!

      Reply

  2. I think most of our entertaining here in New Zealand could be considered “hygge.” We have a very low key, casual lifestyle here. Your menu certainly looks fabulous though!

    Reply
    1. HelloIm50ish says:

      I have never been to New Zealand. It’s on my list to see once we can travel again.
      I bet entertaining is very low-key there!

      Reply